Trump’s Threats to Allied Nations Are Inexcusable

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his ambition to take control of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark in the Arctic Circle, and the Panama Canal in Central America. He has indicated that he has not ruled out the idea of using military action to accomplish his goals.

Isn’t this the same thing as approving a change in status quo by force, contrary to the U.N. Charter, which prohibits threatening the territory of other countries with military force? We must not overlook the fact that Trump’s approach is not so different from that of Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and China, which is eyeing the annexation of Taiwan.

Trump’s words and conduct are shaking NATO’s foundations. The U.S. and Denmark are allies and thus have a relationship of defending each other with the right of collective self-defense. It is absurd for one nation to threaten an ally with military force. Germany, France and other countries are also right to oppose the idea.

Asked in a press conference whether he would promise not to use military and economic coercion to purchase Greenland, Trump responded that he “can’t assure you [the reporter] on either of those two,” but that “we need them for economic security.”

Greenland’s strategic importance is growing. It is expected to serve as a base for mining rare minerals and for Arctic shipping routes, and the fact is that China is stretching out its tentacles.

However, the defensive pact between the U.S. and Denmark since the Cold War era recognizes the U.S. military’s establishment of bases and freedom of movement in Greenland. Based on this arrangement, the U.S. military has established and used bases to track and monitor ballistic missiles and the space activity of Russia and other countries. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the U.S. to go out of its way to establish control or possession of Greenland.

In 1999, the U.S. reverted control of the Panama Canal, which was completed with U.S. support, back to Panama. Trump made an accusation that the canal is “being operated by China.” Companies with ties to Hong Kong do operate some ports in the canal. Panama denies Chinese influence, but China has been behaving in a hegemonic way toward Central and South America.

Trump’s series of statements are also probably aimed at keeping China and Russia in check. But taking aim at allies and like-minded nations is illogical.

Trump has threatened to use “economic force.” Even if his plan is to shake up Canada and Mexico, which he views as causing problems with trade deficits and illegal immigration, humiliating them only deepens rifts between allied and friendly nations, while pleasing despotic nations. It is concerning that Trump does not seem to have any close aides around him who will offer him candid advice.